15 Amazing Coconut Milk benefits for health, skin and hair

Though coconut milk contains saturated fat, coconut milk benefits to reduce cholesterol levels in comparison to butter and dairy based creams. This is because of its lauric acid boosts HDL (good) cholesterol (1).

Coconut milk nutrition is a rich source of magnesium. This mineral helps to calm the nerves and maintain normal blood pressure as well as prevent nerve cells from becoming overactive by virtue being stimulated by calcium.

Coconut milk is often considered as a fattening agent due to its saturated fats (2). But it is also rich in fiber, which makes you feel full for a longer time and if taken in moderation, can help to control weight.

Selenium found in coconut milk is an antioxidant, coconut milk benefits to relieves arthritis symptoms by controlling free radicals and decreasing the risk of joint inflammation.

Coconut milk contains lauric acid, antimicrobial lipids and capric acid (3) which possess antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

Although coconut milk does not contain as much calcium as regular milk it is a rich source of phosphorus. It provides a good amount of phosphorus which contributes to strong bones.

Coconut milk benefits for skin

Due to its moisturizing properties, coconut milk can soothe the symptoms of psoriasis (4), dermatitis, and eczema. The natural fatty acids in coconut milk benefits to help treat dry and irritated skin and remove harmful bacteria from your skin.

Coconut milk can be used as make-up remover. Mix coconut oil and milk in the ratio of 1:2 and use this concoction to remove eye make-up as well as moisturize skin.

Applying plain coconut milk benefits in treating sun-damaged skin. Apply a thin layer of cool coconut milk to the sunburnt area. Applying coconut milk topically on the affected areas and leaving it overnight or bathing in it can ease the pain of burns or rashes caused by exposure to the sun.

Consumption or application of coconut milk benefits to improve skin elasticity due to its copper and vitamin C content. These nutrients slow down the aging process of your skin and body by maintaining flexibility and elasticity of the skin and blood vessels. Thus, it prevents wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots.

Coconut milk is a great moisturizer that can replace moisture in dehydrated skin. Try adding a cup of rose petals, half a cup of rose water and a cup of coconut milk to lukewarm bath water. Soaking in this bath for about 15 minutes will help restore moisture to dry skin. Rub coconut milk on skin and leave it for 30 minutes to get absorbed.

Coconut milk benefits for hair

Coconut milk benefits for hair growth can be attained when mixed with some other organic compounds. For this mix around 50 ml of coconut milk with 100 ml of plain water and add a few tbsp of camphor solution to the mixture. This mix is quite helpful for people with balding problems. Massage you scalp including the bald spots with this mixture and leave it for a couple of hours. Rinse off with warm water and placing a towel on your head, allow it to disappear naturally instead if rubbing the hairs dry.

Coconut milk benefits for hair acts as a natural detangler for your hair. Rub some coconut milk while combing hair on the tangles and comb right through it.

Applying coconut milk on scalp gives a cooling sensation. Coconut milk benefits hair by giving natural moisture from roots to ends. Apply some fresh homemade coconut milk and massage for three to five minutes. Leave it for 20 minutes and shampoo as usual. This will boost the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.

Coconut milk is a great organic hair conditioner to provide longer and thicker hair. Take equal amounts of coconut milk and shampoo in hands and rinse hair as usual. You can also use it as a leave in conditioner which gives added volume to your hair without making them greasy. Take a small amount of coconut milk on your palm and rub your hands together. Bend forward such that your hair is flowing towards the floor and rub the coconut milk on your hair from roots to ends including the underside of your hair at the nape of your neck.

Before proceeding with the ways to use coconut milk I will tell you about how to make coconut milk at home. For that

• Pierce the eyes of the coconut with a sharp knife and drain coconut water into a mixing bowl. Split the coconuts by covering in a kitchen towel and smashing with a rolling pin or hammer.
• With a sharp knife, pry the coconut meat from its husk, then peel off any remaining brown bits of skin that adhere to the coconut meat. Place the coconut flesh and coconut water in a blender, adding three to four cups hot water. Blend until the coconut and water forms a smooth slurry.
• Pour coconut mixture through a butter muslin or nut milk bag into a mason jar or pitcher. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible, and transfer the coconut milk to the refrigerator.